SKIP SALUTES ATTACKING ALI

JOE ROOT heaped praise on Moeen Ali for the aggression he showed in bowling England to a thumping 211-run win over South Africa in the first Test at Lord’s. Moeen took six for 53 to finish with a match haul of 10 for 112 — both careerbests — as the tourists were skittled for only 119 on a day when 19 wickets fell. And England’s new captain credited a new approach from his off-spinner, who looked a totally different prospect from the bowler who struggled in India. ‘That’s when he’s at his best, when he’s aggressive and attacking,’ said Root. ‘He gets great shape on the ball, puts a lot of revs on it and makes it difficult for the batters. When you have a spinner beating both sides of the bat, it’s very difficult to play against him.’ Moeen, who also scored 87 in England’s first innings, was named man of the match.

LAWRENCE BOOTH